This study aims to compare the effects of remote versus in-person exercise interventions on physical function, balance, gait stability, and fall efficacy in pre-frail older adults aged 65 years and above. Participants are randomly assigned to either a remote exercise group, an in-person exercise group, or a control group. The exercise intervention includes balance, strength, and gait training conducted twice weekly for eight weeks. The control group receives educational materials on physical activity. The primary outcome measures include assessments of balance, lower limb strength, gait ability, and fall efficacy. This study seeks to determine if remote exercise is as effective as in-person exercise in enhancing physical function in pre-frail older adults, potentially providing a feasible alternative to traditional in-person programs and addressing barriers such as limited mobility and access to exercise facilities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
90
Participants in this group will engage in an eight-week exercise program conducted via video conferencing software. The sessions, which focus on balance, lower limb strength, and gait function, will be held twice weekly for 50 minutes each. Licensed physical therapists will supervise the sessions, and participants will exercise at home, with assistance from caregivers if necessary. The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of remote exercise interventions in improving physical function and reducing the risk of falls in pre-frail older adults.
Participants in this group will take part in an eight-week in-person exercise program at a senior welfare center. The sessions will be held twice weekly for 50 minutes and will be led by a licensed physical therapist. The exercise program, which includes balance, lower limb strength, and gait training, is identical to that of the remote exercise group, with the primary difference being the mode of delivery (in-person at the welfare center). This group aims to assess the effectiveness of direct supervision in a controlled environment.
Participants in this group will receive educational materials about physical activity, including a booklet and one educational session. They will not participate in any structured exercise program but will be encouraged to maintain their usual activities. The control group serves as a baseline to compare the outcomes of exercise interventions against no structured exercise, focusing on evaluating usual care versus targeted exercise programs.
Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungdong University
Wŏnju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Balance ability
Balance performance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The TUG measures the time taken for a participant to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The BBS is a comprehensive assessment of balance ability during various tasks.
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 8 weeks
Lower Limb Strength
Lower limb strength will be evaluated using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS) and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30SCS). The FTSTS measures the time it takes for participants to rise from a chair five times, and the 30SCS measures the number of times participants can rise from a chair in 30 seconds.
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 8 weeks
Gait Ability
Gait ability will be assessed using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). The DGI assesses participants' ability to modify balance while walking in response to external demands, and the 10MWT measures the time taken to walk 10 meters at a comfortable speed.
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 8 weeks
Fall Efficacy
Fall efficacy will be measured using the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES). This scale evaluates participants' confidence in performing daily activities without falling, providing an indication of fall-related self-efficacy.
Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 8 weeks
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